MODERN cars could pose a safety risk to fleet because they are too complicated to operate without proper instruction, according to the Fleet Driver Training Association. The FDTA is calling on manufacturers to standardise the operation and description of equipment so drivers are not confronted with a bewildering array of different equipment when they step into a new car.

James Sutherland, chairman of the association, said: 'The car industry has forgotten that the average driver isn't a technological whizzkid and many don't understand how these advances work. We already have a plethora of recently-introduced features like 'traction-control' and 'brake assist', yet many drivers still don't have a clue how basic anti-lock brakes work or what they do. Then there are things labelled DSP or ASP which don't mean a thing.'

He said: 'With the next generation of safety features including radar-linked cruise control - which keeps a safe distance between the driver's car and the car in front - I would like to know the driver behind me knows how to use it.'